The Kern County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to direct staff to draft and send letters of support for the findings and recommendations in a white paper titled "California Energy and Fuel Policies, a Clear and Present Threat to National Security?" The motion asks that letters be sent to the president, congressional delegations, the governor and state representatives; if the county's legislative platform does not already support the request, supervisors asked staff to draft language and return it for the board's approval.

Supervisor Ron Couch (Supervisor Couch) introduced the referral during board announcements, saying the white paper and related research assert that California refineries supply a large share of fuel for U.S. military bases in the region and that disruptions could pose readiness risks. Assemblymember Stan Ellis summarized the research, noting a staff report and a 74-page analysis showing dozens of military installations draw jet fuel and other supplies from California refineries and warning that imports and refinery closures could create shortfalls in extreme scenarios.

Supervisor Couch moved the recommendation and Supervisor Parlier seconded. The clerk recorded an all-aye vote and the referral was approved. The board requested that staff prepare letters and, if necessary, draft language to be returned for board review before transmission.